You may have noticed ads running this week in the Western Standard for the Alberta Christian Municipal Rally. They're drawing attention to a series of meetings around Alberta designed to recognize and encourage Christians to run for election at this October's municipal elections and serve their neighbours, as mayors, city councillors and school board trustees.In politics however, the possibility that a man might answer to a power higher than the people who voted in his riding (or than our ever-morphing constitution) makes some voters uncomfortable.Not that it should; anything that keeps politicians humble can't be bad. .Nevertheless, plenty of elected officials — including several prime ministers of recent vintage — feel it prudent to reassure voters that they don't bring their religious principles to the legislature.These rallies, organized by one-time federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Clark, are intended to do the opposite — to encourage people of faith to be straightforward about who they are, what they stand for and how they would deal with the dilemmas of office.As should anybody seeking the confidence of the voters, of course. But, faith is fundamental to who a person is: you either bring your religion to work, or you bring your irreligion to work. Voters deserve to know what they're getting.The option of claiming such validation as may still attach to being a person of faith — with all that implies about the supremacy of God in one's life — but nevertheless expressing a willingness to disobey His express commandments when politically convenient, just makes you... well, untrustworthy, perhaps?.And so the Alberta Christian Municipal Rally tries to speak to the dilemma for a well-qualified Christian who wants to do good to his fellow man through service in government: "Is it possible to honestly represent people who don't share your values?"Stockwell Day never hid or compromised his Christian faith, yet spent 25 successful years in provincial and federal elected office.He says, "Jesus is the prime example. He served anybody who came to Him, in distress, needing help or encouragement. He helped people regardless of their political persuasion. Politics is all about working with, and serving, people you don't agree with."Certainly, it's a good for municipal politicians to think about this as Day proposes they should. Often forgotten as we-the-people complain about federal and provincial governments, is that the junior, municipal level of government actually has far more to do with the quality of our daily lives than Ottawa or Edmonton.Thus, much as we shake our heads over what prime ministers say and premiers do, what mayors say and do matters as much or even more.For example, under the woke leadership of its mayor, Calgary (of all places) won the Canadian Constitutional Foundation's Municipal Muzzle Award, for 'stifling free speech.' While acknowledging that such awards are seldom awarded by dispassionate observers, the facts speak for themselves, see below..‘ORWELLIAN’: Calgary recipient of CCF’s Municipal Muzzle Award for ‘stifling free speech’.Day again. "One thing, though. Don't run on 'vote for me because I'm a Christian.' I once had to deal with a Christian who thought it was sinful to cut taxes. (Seriously.) I said, 'I'll see you in church but I'm not voting for you.' No, run on 'this is what I think would be best for our community.' And then don't hide the fact that you believe Christ is Lord.".Undeniably, the Canadian political landscape is unwelcoming for Christians.This should not deter them, says Day. "No matter what a media raised in a Marxist university culture may believe and say, Canada's history from the founding fathers forward, is Christian.""And, here's one thing people of all parties should acknowledge. Conservatives don't have an exclusive franchise on faith. It was Pierre Trudeau who made sure the supremacy of God was acknowledged in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, after another Liberal MP — lawyer David Smith — persuaded the Liberal caucus that it was the right thing to do."And, there is nothing wrong with doing the right thing....Municipal and school board elections will be held Alberta-wide on October 20th. The Christian Impact Network has rallies set for Medicine Hat (July 11th,) and Calgary on July 12th, at Southside Victory Church, 6402 1a St SW, Calgary. (Doors open at 18:00. My friend and colleague Jen Hodgson will be among those making remarks, as will I and frequent Western Standard contributor John Hilton O'Brien.)Edmonton (July 14th,) Alder Flats (July 15th,) Drayton Valley (July 16th,) Lloydminster (July 17th,) Edmonton (July 20th,) Ponoka (July 21st,) and Grande Prairie, (date TBA.)
